Questions and answers
Maximum reimbursement rate
Q1. Why is VAC changing the reimbursement rate for cannabis for medical purposes?
A1. To ensure that the program is sustainable for all Veterans, the federal government is updating the maximum reimbursement rate to align more closely with current market prices.
Q2. What is changing?
A2. The maximum reimbursement rate for cannabis for medical purposes will change from $8.50 to $6.00 per gram.
Q3. Who does this change affect?
A3. This change affects Veterans who seek reimbursement from VAC for cannabis for medical purposes when authorized by their healthcare provider. As of 31 January 2026, VAC had reimbursed 31,230 Veterans for cannabis for medical purposes in fiscal year 2025-26.
Q4. Is there anything I need to do?
A4. You do not need to take any action to continue getting reimbursed under your existing authorization.
If – after April 1, 2026 - the products you obtain from your licensed seller cost more than $6.00 per gram, you may wish to consider the following steps to avoid paying out-of-pocket costs:
- Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to confirm which cannabis products and formats are appropriate for your condition.
- Review the price of products with your licensed seller to determine whether they offer lower-cost alternatives that meet your treatment needs and fall within the maximum reimbursement rate.
- Compare prices from other licensed sellers to see if they offer similar products at or below $6.00 per gram.
- Transfer your medical authorization to another licensed seller, if desired. If your medical authorization is still valid, your current licensed seller must transfer it upon request.
VAC will continue to reimburse the cost of shipping and applicable provincial or territorial sales tax in addition to the cost of the product, up to the maximum reimbursement rate of $6.00 per gram.
Q5. Will I have to pay out of pocket?
A5. If you purchase cannabis for medical purposes products at or below $6.00 per gram, your costs will remain the same. If you purchase products that cost more than $6.00 per gram, you will need to pay the difference.
Q6. How can I find products that cost $6.00 per gram or less?
A6. You should speak with your healthcare provider to determine which types of products are appropriate for the treatment of your condition. Your licensed seller can then advise you on the options they offer that cost $6.00 per gram or less.
Q7. Can I change my licensed seller if they charge more than $6.00 per gram?
A7. Yes. If your medical authorization is still valid, you may ask your current licensed seller to transfer your medical authorization document to the new licensed seller of your choice. If your medical authorization if no longer valid, you will need to get a new medical authorization document from your healthcare provider.
Licensed sellers cannot refuse to transfer your existing medical authorization to a new licensed seller.
A list of licensed sellers is available on Health Canada’s website at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/industry-licensees-applicants/licensed-cultivators-processors-sellers.
Q8. Do all licensed sellers offer products at the same price?
A8. No. Licensed sellers set their own prices and offer different cannabis for medical purposes products at varying costs. VAC will only reimburse up to the maximum reimbursement rate of $6.00 per dried gram, or its equivalent in other forms.
Q9. If my licensed seller is charging more than $6.00, how can I compare prices between licensed sellers before transferring?
A9. Some licensed sellers allow individuals to view their product offering and prices without registering. This can help you compare options before deciding whether to transfer your medical document to another licensed seller.
A list of licensed sellers is available on Health Canada’s website at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/industry-licensees-applicants/licensed-cultivators-processors-sellers.
Q10. Are there tools or websites that help compare product selection and pricing?
A10. There are currently no tools available to compare product sections and pricing between licensed sellers. You should speak with your healthcare provider to determine which types of products are appropriate for the treatment of your condition. Also, some licensed sellers allow individuals to view their product offering and prices without registering. This can help you compare options.
Q11. Will changing licensed sellers affect how quickly I receive my medication?
A11. Delivery times vary from one licensed seller to another. Choosing a licensed seller located closer to your home may help reduce shipping times. If you are authorized for VAC reimbursement of cannabis for medical purposes, VAC will reimburse for the cost of shipping where applicable.
Q12. I am having difficulty finding a healthcare practitioner to authorize cannabis for medical purposes. What should I do?
A12. You should first speak with your primary healthcare provider to discuss whether cannabis for medical purposes is an appropriate treatment option for you. If you do not have a primary healthcare practitioner, you should contact your provincial health authority for guidance.
Q13. Will my daily authorized amount change?
A13. No. You will continue to be authorized for reimbursement up to the number of grams per day that is indicated in your current decision letter. We are only adjusting the maximum reimbursement rate per gram.
Q14. Will this change affect the types of products VAC covers?
A14. No. VAC will continue to reimburse you for eligible forms of cannabis for medical purposes. This may include dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, oils, topicals, edibles and other extracts and concentrates.
Q15. Will this change affect my existing claims?
A15. Claims for cannabis for medical purposes products ordered before 1 April 2026 will be reimbursed up to the current maximum rate of $8.50 per gram. Claims for products ordered on or after 1 April 2026 will be reimbursed at up to the new maximum rate of $6.00 per gram.
Q16. Does this change reduce funding for clients’ cannabis for medical purposes?
A16. No. It does not reduce the amount of cannabis for medical purposes that Veterans are eligible to be reimbursed for. Veterans will continue to be reimbursed for the same authorized quantity just at a lower per-gram price that is closer to the market price.
Q17. How will VAC notify Veterans of the change?
A17. VAC will communicate with Veterans and licensed sellers in the coming weeks to explain the upcoming changes. Veterans who currently receive or have recently been approved for VAC reimbursement of cannabis for medical purposes will receive a letter by their preferred means (email or physical letter) detailing the changes.
Q18. How did the government determine that $6.00 per gram is a fair market price?
A18. Following a review of market and industry data, the government determined that $6.00 per gram reflects a fair market price.
Changes to the pre-authorization process
Q19. When are the changes to the pre-authorization process coming into effect?
A19. VAC will share more information with you in the coming months. Additional details and the new pre-authorization form will be available on the VAC website.
Q20. What is changing about the pre-authorization process?
A20. VAC will be introducing a new pre-authorization form for requests for VAC reimbursement of cannabis for medical purposes. Once it is in place, your healthcare provider will need to complete the form when requesting a new pre-authorization for VAC reimbursement of cannabis for medical purposes.
Your physician, or a nurse practitioner where permitted, can complete the form to request VAC reimbursement of up to 3 grams per day of cannabis for medical purposes. Requests for more than 3 grams per day (an exceptional amount) will only be considered if the pre-authorization form is completed by a medical specialist who has expertise related to your condition.
Q21. Is there anything that I need to do before the changes to the pre-authorization process?
A21. You do not need to do anything to keep receiving reimbursement under your current authorization. The start and end dates of your authorization are in your latest decision letter, which you can view on Medavie’s client portal: www.medavie.bluecross.ca/MyInfo.